How to Hook Up the Fuel Line on My Craftsman Chainsaw

Your basic household tool kit has all of the tools you need to complete a fuel line replacement.

A two-cycle engine, such as those on a Craftsman chainsaw, uses a carburetor connected to the fuel tank to mix air into fuel before delivering it to the engine. The fuel lines, which run between the tank and carburetor and back again, can get cut, rot or become clogged with time and usage. Replacing the lines is simple and requires no specialty tools.

1

Drain any fuel out of the fuel tank into a gas can. Unplug the spark plug boot and wire. Unscrew the main cover of the chainsaw and pull it off. Also, unscrew and remove the air filter cover and starter assembly. Slide the old fuel lines from the carburetor, which should be clearly accessible. Pull the fuel filter and fuel lines from inside the fuel tank using pliers.

2

Cut one end of both sizes of tubing on a 45-degree angle with the scissors. Feed this end into the fuel tank and pull the lines with the pliers until the angled end comes out of the top of the tank and the other end hangs from the small holes you fed them through. Cut the angled ends straight.

3

Attach the fuel filter to the newly straightened end of the smaller line. Slide the hose fitting onto the larger hose. Pull the hoses back through the smaller holes using the pliers so that the filter and fitting are tight to the tank and create a seal.

4

Measure the distance needed to get the fuel lines to the carburetor and then cut the lines straight. Attach the smaller hose to the fuel pump side and the larger hose to the bulb primer area.

5

Replace the starter assembly, air filter and cover. Plug in the spark plug boot and wire.

Things You Will Need

Gas can

Screwdriver

Needle-nose pliers

Scissor

Chemical-resistant gloves

Protective eyewear

Craftsman replacement fuel lines

Craftsman fuel filter

Craftsman fuel line fitting

Tips

Some models of Craftsman chainsaws have a separate primer bulb. In this case, one more fuel line will need to run from the bulb to the metering inlet on the carburetor.

Be sure to use manufacturer approved parts to ensure the correct sizing of your fuel lines, since improper fittings will cause leaks.

Warning

Since you will likely have contact with bits of fuel left in the tank, wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective eye wear to protect from splashing.

About the Author

Josie Myers has been a freelance writer and tutor since 2008. A mother of three, she was a pre-kindergarten teacher for seven years, is a Pennsylvania-certified tree tender and served as director of parks in her local municipality. Myers holds a Bachelor of Arts in music and business from Mansfield University and a Master of Arts in English from West Chester University.